a primitive root; properly, to be slack or languid, i.e. (by implication) sleep (figuratively, to die); also to grow old, stale or inveterate; old (store), remain long, (make to) sleep.
### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **yâshên**, represented by `{{H3462}}`, is a primitive root that properly means to be slack or languid. By implication, its meaning extends to **sleep**, to figuratively **die**, and to grow old, stale, or inveterate. This term appears **19 times** across **19 unique verses** in the Bible, showing its use in a variety of literal and metaphorical contexts.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In biblical narratives, `{{H3462}}` is used to describe both literal sleep and concepts of age and death. It describes the first sleep mentioned in scripture, when God caused a deep sleep to fall upon Adam and "he slept" [[Genesis 2:21]]. It is also used for the peaceful rest of the faithful, who can lay down and **sleep** in safety because of the Lord's protection [[Psalms 4:8]]. Figuratively, the term describes death, as in the prayer to be saved from the "sleep of death" [[Psalms 13:3]] and in the prophecy that Babylon's leaders will **sleep** a perpetual sleep and not wake [[Jeremiah 51:57]]. Beyond rest, it can mean "old" or "stale," as seen in the descriptions of "old store" [[Leviticus 26:10]] and "old leprosy" [[Leviticus 13:11]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words help define the spectrum of rest and wakefulness:
* `{{H8142}}` **shênâh** (sleep): This is the noun form for sleep and is often used in conjunction with `{{H3462}}`. For example, Jeremiah prophesies a "perpetual **sleep**" from which the wicked will not awake [[Jeremiah 51:39]].
* `{{H5123}}` **nûwm** (to slumber): A close synonym for sleep, often used in parallel to emphasize a state of rest or inattentiveness. God, as the keeper of Israel, will neither **slumber** nor sleep [[Psalms 121:4]].
* `{{H6974}}` **qûwts** (to awake): As a direct antonym, this word highlights the transition from sleep to consciousness. The psalmist declares, "I laid me down and slept; I **awaked**; for the LORD sustained me" [[Psalms 3:5]].
* `{{H7901}}` **shâkab** (to lie down): This verb often describes the physical act that precedes sleep. It is frequently paired with `{{H3462}}`, as in the declaration, "I will both **lay me down** in peace, and sleep" [[Psalms 4:8]].
* `{{H8639}}` **tardêmâh** (deep sleep): This term signifies a heavy, supernaturally induced sleep. God caused a **deep sleep** to fall on Adam, and then "he slept" [[Genesis 2:21]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{H3462}}` is revealed in its various applications:
* **A Symbol of Death:** The word provides a common biblical metaphor for death. The description of a "perpetual **sleep**" serves as a powerful image of final judgment from which there is no waking [[Jeremiah 51:57]].
* **Divine Watchfulness:** A key theological point is the contrast between human frailty and divine constancy. While humans must **sleep**, the Lord who keeps Israel will "neither slumber nor **sleep**" [[Psalms 121:4]], signifying His unceasing care and vigilance.
* **A Gift of Peace:** The ability to **sleep** securely is portrayed as a blessing from God. Under the covenant of peace, God's people will be able to dwell safely and **sleep** even in the woods [[Ezekiel 34:25]]. It is a tangible sign of trust and divine protection [[Psalms 4:8]].
* **A State of Vulnerability:** Sleep can also represent a moment of vulnerability or moral inaction. It was while Samson **slept** that he was overcome by his enemies [[Judges 16:19]]. In Isaiah, the readiness of an avenging army is shown by the fact that none among them **sleep** [[Isaiah 5:27]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{H3462}}` is far more than a simple word for rest. It encompasses a spectrum of meaning, from the physical act of sleeping to the finality of death and the state of being old or long-established. The word serves as a powerful vehicle for theological expression, contrasting human need with God's sleeplessness, and depicting rest as either a gift of divine peace or a moment of perilous vulnerability. It demonstrates how a basic human experience is used in Scripture to illustrate profound spiritual truths.
TRV